Among shapers of contemporary thought, Friedrich Nietzsche is perhaps the most mysterious. His aphorisms are widely quoted, but as both man and thinker he remains an enigmatic figure, “philosophizing with a hammer” and hurling unsettling challenges to some of our most cherished beliefs. These 24 lectures weave biographical detail, abstract analysis, and humor to construct an engaging, well-rounded portrait of the most enigmatic, complex figure in all of philosophy. Who was this eccentric German genius? Was he a proto-Nazi, or would he have found Hitler despicable? Why are his brilliant insights so relevant for today? How did he become the most misinterpreted and unfairly maligned intellectual figure of the last two centuries? To provide shape to Nietzsche's thought, each lecture focuses on specific ideas that preoccupied Nietzsche while tracing the profound themes that give meaning to his work. Professors Solomon and Higgins debunk the myths, rumors, and misunderstandings surrounding Nietzsche; connect his thought to that of his predecessors; and investigate how his method of explaining human beliefs and practices in terms of personality and character enabled him to refute Socratic assumptions and Christian compassion. In fact, as you make your way through these lectures, you'll discover that Nietzsche, even at his most polemical and offensive, exudes an unmistakable enthusiasm and love of life.
